The Stuff of Life into Good Stuff
Creating the Story of You
“A Better Somewhere” by Myra Alibrando
The Way It is Now
Every day we do things from the time we awake to settling down and falling into unconsciousness at the end of that day.
If every day I spend 1 hour in front of a TV or scrolling through YouTube videos that is 7 hours a week of relaxing. That sounds OK, and I believe it is.
My wife and I often watch a movie or series with popcorn in the evening at home, so that is not every night but probably comes out to more hours a week sometimes.
Thankfully, we have roughly 16 hours a day of being awake. Subtract the meals, hygiene, some commuting and work, and probably we still have close to four hours of our own time to choose what to do: read, watch, play a game, clean, build something, journal, or do a 2nd job. Typically, way more on weekends, but not for all.
We usually protect the Status Quo, that is we like things the way they are, even if we are not completely satisfied.
Snatch 1 Hour for You
But let’s play with 1 hour a day is yours to own, not taking away any rest or watching.
Our life is like a garden, what we plant is what grows. So, I would like to introduce you to what I call the "Growth Measure". Although the name is not so clever, the idea is what happens after investing in one thing over a longer period of time.
For example, an hour a day is 365 hours a year. That’s huge!
What if I was reading an hour a day? Obviously, that would be 2,555 hours a year. Well, if I need rest, maybe relaxing that hour a day is wisdom. However, if it was relaxing for me to read certain kinds of books, this kind of habit would result in reading 365 hours a year. Is this adding a greater benefit than sitting on the couch? Well, that depends on the kind of books I'm reading. Celebrity gossip, How-to books, motivational books, the Bible, health and nutrition books, or a positive mix.
We have no idea how many habits are unconscious, including our definition of a comfortable life.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
This is your life. While you choose to creatively add a little to your own, God can transform you into something more.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2a
Banking Deposits into Great Value
Our choices are "income" or "expenses". We can be adding benefits to our life or subtracting from it with choices bad for our health, our spirit, or our family. We can reverse bad habits, but that's a conscious choice and not always easy because habits can become ruts.
My Wife, Me - Little New Habits
Imagine what can materialize in your life from 2,555 hours or even half of that. You could develop a new skill.
My wife began painting at age 49, which I showcase with most of my devotionals.
In the 1990’s, I began writing little articles in a little mountain paper in California and 10 years later 100 of those were compiled into a published book launching my author reality. That wasn’t my plan. It was born out of a routine.
When I was a child, my aunt bought me a little guitar. I still add to my repertoire of songs every year and try to add to my guitar-playing skills for my own pleasure.
You Can . . . Easily . . . If
You can build a skill, accumulate knowledge, get in better shape, do something athletic, start a journal, do volunteer work for a year, do a deep Bible study on certain topics, make something creatively but in a small way that accumulates. Your project, your life. Just a simple 30-60 minutes for your own pleasure and in a year, you have invested 1000-2500 hours. That adds up to something even though it costs very little.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
The years pass quickly. Discover more. God made us creative for a reason.
I just now read this to Myra as we are sitting at a table before church. She was delighted and asked that I send it to her. Which, of course, I will. Thanks Andrie.
“A Better Somewhere” by Myra Alibrando
To my good friend, Myra, your painting "A Better Somewhere" is absolutely captivating. The winding path that leads through the blooming meadow instantly draws me in, as if inviting me to journey into this peaceful, dreamlike landscape. The delicate pink and white flowers scattered across the field create such a soft, soothing atmosphere, and they contrast beautifully with the vibrant greens of the grass. It feels alive, yet calming, like a place I’d want to wander through endlessly.
The rich, earthy tones of the path stand out against the lush meadow, guiding my eye toward the misty blue mountains in the background. The distant trees and mountains add depth and a sense of quiet majesty to the scene, creating a perfect balance between the intimacy of the meadow and the vastness of the landscape beyond. And the sky, those gorgeous hues of pastel blues, purples, and pinks give the entire painting a serene, almost magical quality, as if the sun is setting on a perfect day.
Your ability to evoke both peace and a sense of adventure in this painting is remarkable. It feels like an invitation to step into a place where everything is calm, bright, and full of hope.
Keep painting, Myra! Your art takes us to those quiet, beautiful places in our hearts. As Georgia O'Keeffe once said, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way.” You’re doing just that, continue sharing your voice through your art!